Dobinsons suspension components breakdown for 80 series

[crikeymike]

Here are the photos of the rear lower and upper control arms

 

[Bryanseye]

Here are the photos of the rear lower and upper control arms

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They sure feel stout too!

 

[crikeymike]

They sure feel stout too!
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Hahaha, I think I can see the problem with the old stock arms...

 

[crikeymike]

Dobinsons sale starts Monday the 8th. Click here for full details:

November 2021 Sales - Exit Offroad

All sales have ended and all deals have been removed from this post It’s been one hell of a year, unlike any other I’ve ever seen regarding difficulty in receiving products, especially from overseas. Shipping costs have more than quadrupled in the last 18 months for shipments across the Pacific...

exitoffroad.com

 

[BlackMud]

I forgot to post up that we have OE style rubber centered front control/radius arm bushings, fixed end and axle end. Here are some pics of those.

Frame end, RB59-534K (contains 2 bushings)
Axle end, RB59-536K (contains 4 bushings)

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Hey @crikeymike, thanks for posting all this info. Very helpful.

I have a question regarding the bushings that come with the Dobinsons parts. When they are listed as "comes with OE style bushings", how does the Dobinsons OE style bushing compare to the Toyota rubber bushings installed on the same parts? I ask because the Toyota ones last for a long time, as we are witnessing on some units these days and I'm curious about the Dobinsons ones.

 

[crikeymike]

Hey @crikeymike, thanks for posting all this info. Very helpful.

I have a question regarding the bushings that come with the Dobinsons parts. When they are listed as "comes with OE style bushings", how does the Dobinsons OE style bushing compare to the Toyota rubber bushings installed on the same parts? I ask because the Toyota ones last for a long time, as we are witnessing on some units these days and I'm curious about the Dobinsons ones.

I've never had a single problem with any rubber bushing from Dobinsons. I feel like the production process of then must be the same as the OE because they are definitely long lasting.

It will take 20 years to see for sure but I feel like they will hold up very well.

 

[aclos3]

@crikeymike and anyone else who wants to chime in,
I pretty sure that I am headed the Dobinsons route and I have been playing around with the configurator on your website, but I think I need some advice.

I have a 1997 LX450 and I last replaced the suspension in 2010 with the OME stock height leveling springs (861/862), Bilstein 4600 shocks and OME steering stabilizer. I also have 30mm polyurethane spring spacers at all four corners. I have not added much weight to the front, but I have added weight to the rear with a fridge and slide, a half drawer that I leave mostly loaded, tail gate storage (soon) and electronics in the finder area.

I don't want a ton of lift (will install 33"s at the next tire change) and I plan to go with 2" springs and will remove the spring spacers I currently am using.

1. I was thinking about going with C59-220v front springs and C59-223v rear springs. I hear good things about the variable rate springs, but if you have other ideas for my scenario, I'd like to hear them.

2. IMS IFP fancy black shocks vs the standard GS yellow shocks. The upgraded shocks are quite a bit more expensive, adding over $600 to the cost, but if they'll improve the ride quality that is probably worth it for me. Can anyone comment on the difference between these two shocks? Are the upgraded ones primarily beneficial for off-roading or will do you see improvement on the pavement as well?

3. It seems like most caster bushings are built for 2.5"+ lifts. Do most people with two inches of lift just run stock caster?

Thank you!

 

[AgentOrange]

I have the variable rate springs on my Cruiser, but they are 3" heavy springs. That said, I have more weight on the front and rear with winch, bumpers, sliders, dual batteries, drawers, etc, etc. I am very happy with the springs. I just have the yellow shocks and am pleased with their performance. If you don't plan on adding any more weight to your Cruiser, I think the springs you're looking at will be good. I'm running caster bushings, but given the opportunity, I would go with plates instead, but at 2" you might be close enough to leave it alone. You'll know after you drive it if it feels funny up front or not.

 

[BlackMud]

I've never had a single problem with any rubber bushing from Dobinsons. I feel like the production process of then must be the same as the OE because they are definitely long lasting.

It will take 20 years to see for sure but I feel like they will hold up very well.

Alright, thanks for the reply. I do have dobinsons panhard bars on the front and rear after lifting the truck and they are working great. Was curious about the rear arms but will give them a try. Cheers